WATCH: Bo’ Selecta! star Leigh Francis apologises for ‘offensive’ portrayals of Black people

Keith Lemon actor Leigh Francis has apologised for impersonating Black people in his 2000s Channel 4 show, Bo’ Selecta!.

Actor Leigh Francis, aka Keith Lemon, has issued a heartfelt apology for impersonating Black people in his 2002 TV show Bo’ Selecta!

The star appeared in an Instagram video on Thursday evening to apologise for the “offensive” portrayals of artists like Craig David, Michael Jackson and Mel B.

Referring to the series, he said: “I portrayed many Black people. Back then I didn’t think anything about it, people didn’t say anything, I’m not going to blame other people.

“I’ve been talking to some people and I didn’t realise how offensive it was back then.

“And I just wanna apologise and, you know, say sorry for any upset I caused.”

Watch the video in full below. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Following recent events, I’ve done a lot of talking and learning and I would like to put this out there. I want to apologise to anyone that was offended by Bo’selecta. I’m on a constant journey of knowledge and just wanted to say I’m deeply sorry. #blacklivesmatter

A post shared by Keith Lemon (@keithlemon) on Jun 4, 2020 at 11:58am PDT